Why You Should Choose a Reusable Mask vs. a Disposable Mask
From cloth masks in every conceivable shade, pattern, and material, to standard surgical masks, and even medical-grade respirators — there are more face mask options on the market than you can fathom. With so much to consider, choosing the right one can feel like embarking on a quest to find the holy grail, but it doesn’t have to!
To make your choice easier, start with the biggest decision: Whether you should go for a reusable vs. a disposable face mask. While there are benefits to both, the reusable face mask will often be the better choice for standard, everyday use. Why? Not only do they offer comparable protection, they’re more comfortable and more cost effective in the long run, among other benefits we discuss in detail below.
Are Reusable Masks Effective?
Disposable face masks are widely used in the medical industry, so many people turn to them as a trustworthy option. However, reusable face masks are often just as, if not more, effective than their disposable counterparts — especially if you opt for one with a filter.
With an innovative three layer design that includes a highly effective PM0.1 filter that traps particles as small as 0.1 microns in diameter (AKA super tiny stuff), the Enro reusable face mask offers proven protection against even the smallest of airborne contaminants.
In fact, combined with our outer layer of water-repellant material and our inner layer of breathable cotton, Enro reusable masks trap and filter out over 99% of bacteria, viruses, and particles as small as 0.1 microns according to tests run by industry-leading labs using standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC).
So, to put it simply, reusable masks are very effective at doing their job of creating a barrier against potentially harmful viruses and bacteria.
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Can You Reuse a Disposable Mask?
Disposable face masks are made to be just that — disposable. This means that they aren’t durable enough for long-term wear and start to break down pretty quickly when you use them. And with a decline in quality also comes a decline in its ability to offer you and those around you effective protection.
Not only do they wear out quickly, disposable face masks also get dirtier and dirtier the more you use them, picking up germs from your breath, the air around you, from makeup like lipstick or foundation, and from any surfaces that you put them on when you remove them. While reusable masks can be washed, disposable masks can’t, leaving you without any way to make them cleaner and safer again.
Among other reasons, this is why reusable masks are often the best recommendation for those who don’t work in the healthcare field and just need a reliable face covering for everyday use.
Top Reasons to Choose a Reusable Mask over a Disposable Mask
Hygiene
While consistent, everyday use will make anything dirty, the wonderful thing about reusable face masks is that they’re washable. We know how important it is to keep things clean and safe, which is why we made it so you can machine wash your Enro mask up to 100 times without it losing any of its effectiveness.
We also finished every mask with a SILVADUR™ antimicrobial treatment to inhibit bacterial growth, so you can even feel safe wearing it between washes.
Sustainability & Eco-Friendliness
Over the last year, you may have noticed how many masks are littering the ground on sidewalks, parking lots, the side of the road, and even parks. Now, imagine how many more are in landfills and garbage dumps, and have even made their way into our oceans. Constantly throwing away disposable masks and getting new ones delivered contributes to pollution, and since they’re not biodegradable, they take forever to decompose.
Swansea University has developed a study confirming a rise in pollution (including lead and copper) from single-use, disposable masks submerged underwater.
If you’re concerned about the ecological impact of your mask use, reusable face masks are a much more sustainable alternative because you can wear them countless times before having to replace them.
Cost
While buying disposable face masks may seem like the cheaper option up front, the cost of continuously re-buying them adds up over time. Stocking up on just a few reusable face masks means you likely will only have to buy masks once, saving you money in the long run. Plus, you never have to worry about running out.
Fit & Style
Most disposable masks only come in one size and don’t have many adjustable features. Faces are not one size fits all, so this leaves many people with an uncomfortable mask that doesn’t fit properly, offering less effective protection and causing them to constantly touch it to readjust. Not only is this annoying, it’s also unhygienic, since you aren’t supposed to touch your mask at all once you have it on.
To create the most comfortable mask experience possible, we crafted every Enro mask with adjustable ear loops and a bendable nose wire, so you can adjust your mask to fit you perfectly. We also engineered a range of sizes to fit any face, even the littlest ones in your family. Yes, Enro sells face masks for kids!
Reusable face masks like Enro’s come in a wide variety of prints and colors, so you can find one to fit your face as well as your personality, outfit, or mood — the options are endless! Many disposable masks come in limited colors, which is limit your ability to use your face mask as an accessory to your outfit.
View Our Size Guide
Leave the Surgical Masks to Our Healthcare Professionals
Consistent high demand throughout this crisis has caused a shortage in some medical supplies, leaving some healthcare workers without the protection they need to stay safe on the job. Some medical professionals have even had to re-wear their masks and respirators for days at a time, making the masks less and less effective.
Because Enro masks have an impressive, lab-tested PM0.1 filter, you can feel good about your protection and leave the medical-grade masks to the healthcare professionals and hospital workers that really need them during this time.
Buy Reusable Masks With Enro
For everyday mask use, reach for Enro reusable masks that not only offer superior protection, but are also better for the environment, and made to fit your face and style perfectly. What more could you ask for in a mask?
Our expansive collection and size range means there is an option for everyone in your family. Stock up today and give yourself the gift of a better mask experience.
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